Myeloid Differentiation Primary Response Protein 88 (MyD88): The Central Hub of TLR/IL-1R Signaling

Myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88) is a ubiquitously expressed cytoplasmic adaptor protein that plays a central role in the Toll-like receptor (TLR) and interleukin-1 receptor (IL-1R) signaling pathways. TLR/IL-1R pathways regulate the proliferation and differentiation of cells involved in the innate and adaptive immunity. Although the general TLR/IL-1R activation cascade is well understood, the molecular mechanisms involving MyD88 have only begun to surface in the past decade. In this review, we explore MyD88 structural biology, the role of posttranslational modifications (PTMs), and the recent developments in MyD88 inhibitor discovery and use. We also highlight the potential application of MyD88-targeted therapies in human diseases.